Page 123 of The October Arrangement

“So, who cooked tonight?” William asked.

“Bella did,” Simon replied.

“Thank God.”

“Fuck off, old man.” Simon chuckled.

He grabbed three wine glasses and set them on the island.

“He’s gonna know,” I whispered. “Maybe do the wine after dinner.”

“They brought it to have with dinner,” Simon whispered.

Simon took the glasses and the bottle of wine over to the dining room table. William immediately noticed.

“Why are there only three glasses?” he asked.

“I’m not having any wine, William,” I said. “I don’t feel like it. I’d consumed more alcohol than I should have in St. Lucia.” I smiled.

He stared at Simon for a second and then looked at me.

“Are you⁠—”

“No.” Simon pointed at him. “Don’t ruin this.”

“Ruin what?” Mary looked at us.

“Can we sit down and have dinner first?” Simon asked.

“You expect me to eat now?” William said.

“Yes, Dad. I do.”

Mary stared at us and whispered, “Oh, my God.”

William stood from his chair, walked over to me, and grabbed my hand.

“Bella, are you pregnant?”

I glanced at Simon, and he nodded.

“Yes. Surprise! Simon and I are having a baby.”

Immediately, tears filled William’s eyes.

“Oh, Dad,” Simon said.

“You’re serious? Because it’s not nice to trick an old man,” William said.

“We’re very serious, William. You’re going to be a grandpa.”

“Congratulations, sweetheart.” He hugged me.

“I’m sorry.” Mary wiped the tears from her eyes. “I’m so happy for both of you.” She hugged me.

Chapter Forty-Five

Simon